Child Molestation Attorney in San Bernardino

Early Section 288 Defense Backed by 30+ Years of Combined Experience

A child molestation allegation may begin with an investigator’s call, a request to search a phone, an arrest, or formal criminal charges. Before answering questions, consenting to a device search, contacting the accuser, or altering potential evidence, seek advice based on the precise allegation and procedural stage.

At Bullard & Powell, APC., our founding attorneys remain directly involved from the initial case review through resolution. We examine the evidence early and prepare every criminal case as though it may proceed to trial, even when it’s resolved outside the courtroom.

Speak with our defense attorneys before discussing the allegations with investigators. Call (909) 771-2304 to request a consultation.

What California Penal Code Section 288 Requires

California Penal Code section 288 covers several offenses involving lewd or lascivious acts with a child, but the elements and possible penalties depend on the charged subdivision. Under section 288(a), prosecutors generally must prove that the defendant willfully committed a lewd act involving a child under 14 with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.

In this context, the alleged conduct must have the sexual purpose required by the statute. Consent doesn’t resolve a section 288(a) allegation because the analysis focuses on the child’s age, the alleged act, and the defendant’s intent.

A section 288(a) felony conviction can carry a state prison term of three, six, or eight years. Allegations involving force, violence, duress, menace, or fear may fall under a different subdivision and carry different sentencing exposure. Other child-related sex offenses also have distinct elements, so the defense must address the filed charge rather than a general label.

Potential Penalties & Registration Consequences

An allegation isn’t a conviction, and the consequences aren’t the same in every case. The charged statute, alleged conduct, child’s age, force allegations, prior convictions, and other case-specific facts can affect sentencing and registration requirements.

Depending on the charge and final disposition, potential consequences can include:

• Criminal penalties: A conviction can result in incarceration, fines, probation conditions, or court-ordered restrictions.
• Protective orders: The court may impose stay-away or no-contact requirements during the case or as part of a sentence.
• Sex offender registration: California uses a tiered system, and the applicable requirement can vary by offense, subdivision, and case circumstances.
• Personal consequences: A conviction or registration requirement can affect employment, professional licensing, housing, travel, family relationships, and privacy.

Charging documents must be reviewed carefully before drawing conclusions about prison exposure, probation eligibility, or the duration of any registration requirement. The central question is not simply what has been alleged, but what the prosecution can prove.

How We Review Evidence & Prepare for Trial

A criminal defense strategy begins with the elements the prosecution must establish and the evidence offered to support each one. Relevant material may include police reports, interview recordings, witness statements, text messages, social media, phone data, medical records, forensic evidence, and child-welfare or mandated-reporting records.

Our preparation focuses on issues such as:

• Statement reliability: We assess consistency, timing, interview methods, possible influence, and whether other evidence corroborates an account.
• Digital evidence: We review relevant communications, metadata, timelines, device information, and the circumstances surrounding collection.
• Constitutional protections: We examine searches, warrants, seizures, and Miranda warnings, which advise a person of the rights to remain silent and have counsel during custodial questioning.
• Required elements: We evaluate whether the evidence addresses the alleged act, age, willfulness, sexual intent, and any claimed use of force or fear.

We prepare for negotiation and trial rather than assuming the case will follow one path. When the evidence supports seeking dismissal or reduced charges, we pursue those options without promising a particular outcome.

Direct Attorney Access in High-Stakes Criminal Cases

Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined legal experience and have helped hundreds of clients. We prioritize quality over case volume, so clients aren’t handed off to junior associates. Counsel remains accessible by call, text, or office visit throughout the criminal process.

Our published results in other criminal matters include dismissals, charge reductions, acquittals, and not-guilty outcomes. These aren’t charge-specific results and don’t predict the outcome of another case. They reflect our broader experience identifying factual and legal weaknesses, preparing for court, and taking serious charges to trial when necessary.

Defending Cases in San Bernardino Courts

The San Bernardino Superior Court has jurisdiction over felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. At an arraignment, the defendant is informed of the filed charges and advised of important rights. The court may assign a case to the San Bernardino Justice Center or another district location under its filing and hearing rules.

We’re familiar with local judges and district attorneys, and we serve clients throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire, including Victorville, Apple Valley, and Redlands. This familiarity helps us prepare clients for the next procedural stage without assuming that one courthouse, prosecutor, or schedule applies to every defendant.

Get Case-Specific Guidance Before You Respond

If you or a family member is facing an investigation, arrest, or filed charge, contact us before discussing the facts with investigators or anyone else. Bring any available charging documents, court notices, release conditions, or investigator communications to the consultation so we can identify the immediate issues.

You’ll work directly with our attorneys from start to finish and receive clear communication about the evidence, court process, and available defense options.

Call (909) 771-2304 to request a consultation with our San Bernardino criminal defense attorneys.